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Board of Directors
Randy Elser - President
president@metroeastprideswi.org
president@metroeastprideswi.org
Originally from Belleville, I reside in Freeburg. I'm a graduate of Saint Louis University where I earned my BSBA in Finance and an MBA. I own Elser Interactive, a small business specializing in online promotions and marketing services. I've been in business since 2004. Prior to that, I worked for American Redemption Systems and CheckMark Communications/Nestlé Purina PetCare Company where I held various marketing, finance and management positions.
I'm very active in my community including Kiwanis Club of Freeburg Area, Marissa Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gibault Men’s Club. I'm also active with my alma mater and a member of the Business School Alumni, Billiken Club and DuBourg Society. I got involved with Metro East Pride because I want to give back to the LGBTQ+ community. If I'm able to help one person or make a difference in one person's life, I have done my job.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I'm very active in my community including Kiwanis Club of Freeburg Area, Marissa Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gibault Men’s Club. I'm also active with my alma mater and a member of the Business School Alumni, Billiken Club and DuBourg Society. I got involved with Metro East Pride because I want to give back to the LGBTQ+ community. If I'm able to help one person or make a difference in one person's life, I have done my job.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hey, it’s Kristen (aka Super K or Johnnie Bravo) and I am excited to be a part of Metro East Pride. I joined the organization in 2016 because I wanted to get more involved in the LGBTQ+ community and make a difference in the lives of young adults. I came out as a lesbian when I was 21 years old and, although I had the support of my family and friends at the time, I realize not all people are as fortunate. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others and work diligently to help build a community of diversity, equality and inclusion. I am a District Sales Lead for Frito Lay, a PepsiCo company, and have been with them since 2014. I am an LGBTQ+ representative at Frito Lay.
In my free time I enjoy drinking, holding hands with Whitney and vacationing in Mexico. I usually wait until the third or fourth date before I bring the U-haul. I am a huge sports fan, love the Cardinals and Blues, and my favorite team is the Green Bay Packers – that’s what cheesehead!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
In my free time I enjoy drinking, holding hands with Whitney and vacationing in Mexico. I usually wait until the third or fourth date before I bring the U-haul. I am a huge sports fan, love the Cardinals and Blues, and my favorite team is the Green Bay Packers – that’s what cheesehead!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kim Cook - Secretary
kim@metroeastprideswi.org
'Hi! I'm Kim...as a lifelong Belleville resident I'm honored to serve on the Metro East Pride board as and LGBTQ+ Ally. I have been a hairstylist for 30+ years and I also work as a buyers agent for Red Door Realty Group. I enjoy working with people and being part of Metro East Pride allows me to do that for LGBTQIA+ community. Having grown up with close and wonderful friends within the LGBTQ+ community, my hope is that I can help bridge the gap between straight and gay people. I will strive to help make this happen by being an active volunteer and member of the Metro East Pride board. It’s easy to remember me - I’m the Straight Not Narrow Ally!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Andrea Fietsam - Treasurer
treasurer@metroeastprideswi.org
treasurer@metroeastprideswi.org
I'm Andrea, Treasurer of MEPSI. I identify as a straight female and use she/her/hers pronouns. I grew up in Belleville and still live here today. I have Bachelor’s Degrees in both Criminal Justice and Sociology, as well as a law degree from Saint Louis University.
I joined MEPSI so I could be involved in creating a safe and inclusive space in the metro area for LGBTQIA+ and to bring skills and fresh ideas to continue the growth MEPSI has seen in the last few years. I have been an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community as long as I can remember, including delivering a speech in college about the importance of legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states. I am very excited to work with the Board in all of our fundraising efforts and, most importantly, Pride, and I encourage everyone to join us whenever they can!
When I'm not volunteering for Metro East Pride or one of the other organizations I'm involved with, you can find me at home enjoying a good movie or napping - my favorite past time. Most people claim I am an 82 year woman in a 27 year old body, which is fine with me! I also like hot dogs and hotties.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I joined MEPSI so I could be involved in creating a safe and inclusive space in the metro area for LGBTQIA+ and to bring skills and fresh ideas to continue the growth MEPSI has seen in the last few years. I have been an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community as long as I can remember, including delivering a speech in college about the importance of legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states. I am very excited to work with the Board in all of our fundraising efforts and, most importantly, Pride, and I encourage everyone to join us whenever they can!
When I'm not volunteering for Metro East Pride or one of the other organizations I'm involved with, you can find me at home enjoying a good movie or napping - my favorite past time. Most people claim I am an 82 year woman in a 27 year old body, which is fine with me! I also like hot dogs and hotties.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
D. L. Salisbury - Metro East Pride Fest Chairperson
dlsals@msn.com
dlsals@msn.com
Hello and thank you for visiting the Metro East pride page. By now I am sure you have found some useful information about our organization and the community we serve.
My name is D.L. Salisbury – yes, I go by my initials! My dad is Don, my grandfather was Lee so of course I am "something else!" I serve as the Pride Fest Chairperson and my pronouns are He/Him.
My husband of five years and I have been together since 2007. He is a native of Belleville and graduated from Belleville East. I on the other hand, I'm originally from Houston,Texas where I graduated from South Houston High School and attended San Jacinto College to pursue a degree in Music Education. I ultimately received my Cosmetology license and I have held many career opportunities in that field which then led me to a career in the healthcare industry as a Learning and Development Manager.
I joined Metro East pride in 2018 after seeing the positive impact they were making in and around our community. It's my goal to maintain and enhance that "hometown feel" Metro East Pride is known for as we grow and thrive in our community.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Drew Davis (aka Mona Chase) - Drag Liaison
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Drew Davis has been an advocate for the LGBT community for 15 years. They started a Gay Straight Alliance in high school and have been doing volunteer advocacy work ever since. Drew also performs under the stage name Mona Chase, the self-titled Vocal Vixen of St. Louis, Mona is an eclectic mix of powerhouse live vocal performances, sex and body positivity, and inappropriate jokes, all of which is housed in a deceptively MILF-like fashion style. Drew and Mona both are incredibly excited to be part of the MEPSI Board of Directors and looks forward to many more years of services to the LGBT community in the STL Metro.
Pronouns: They/Them/Their
Pronouns: They/Them/Their
Mellissa Brooks - Board Member
normajeanbaker77@gmail.com
HELLO! I'm Mellissa Brooks, or for those close to me, Mel. I have called Belleville home for the last 19 years along with my husband of 20 years and our two amazing daughters. I am the owner of Bronzed Goddess, a company I started eight years ago offering Airbrush Tanning and Airbrush Makeup services.
I have been an ally in the LGBTQ+ community for as long as I can remember. I have always been a big supporter of MEPSI, but knew it was time to do more. Joining the board in 2019 was the next step for me to become more involved and help grow the cause. It is my hope that through educating and volunteering I can make a positive impact on the community.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I have been an ally in the LGBTQ+ community for as long as I can remember. I have always been a big supporter of MEPSI, but knew it was time to do more. Joining the board in 2019 was the next step for me to become more involved and help grow the cause. It is my hope that through educating and volunteering I can make a positive impact on the community.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Adam Barwick - Board Member
I'm Adam Barwick and I am a trans man. Figuring that out about myself did not come quickly or easily. When I was younger being transgender wasn’t heard of or talked about. I knew I was different from all the other girls, but I didn't understand how or why. So, I identified as a lesbian. Life wasn’t an easy road for me and I ended up turning to alcohol and drugs. It wasn’t until I hit hard rock bottom that I finally figured out who or what I was. I found a program that worked for me and it changed my life completely! I was then able to take a hard look at myself and finally put a finger on something that I never thought was there. I was, in fact, a man born into the wrong sex. That's when I began transitioning.
Since that time, I have found much success and happiness in my life. Not only am I able to help others with alcohol and drug addiction, I'm also involved in sharing my story with other trans men like myself, giving advice and encouragement, and being a role model demonstrating that there is hope. I felt like MEPSI was a great fit for me to help others in the community and to be part of something greater than myself and to help show the community that we all can be superheroes and save lives. I've only been involved for a short time, but I have enjoyed getting involved with the board members and others in the community and I look forward to what the future holds.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Since that time, I have found much success and happiness in my life. Not only am I able to help others with alcohol and drug addiction, I'm also involved in sharing my story with other trans men like myself, giving advice and encouragement, and being a role model demonstrating that there is hope. I felt like MEPSI was a great fit for me to help others in the community and to be part of something greater than myself and to help show the community that we all can be superheroes and save lives. I've only been involved for a short time, but I have enjoyed getting involved with the board members and others in the community and I look forward to what the future holds.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Carmelita DeLeon - Community Liaison
carmi@metroeastprideswi.org
carmi@metroeastprideswi.org
As a cross-genre photographer, I began my career as a Collegiate Sports Photographer in the early 90's where I fell in love with the camera and its ability to capture the beauty of the human spirit. Over the years, I have expanded my interests to include family and animal portraits, nature, engagements, weddings, reunions, head shots and dance photos, and commercial photography including the feature of my work on a historical shoot of power equipment for Cadet Connection Magazine. My philanthropic endeavors include serving as an official photographer for the MS150 Bike Tour, a Photographer for an online LGBT Magazine - BOOM Magazine, and currently work as a Freelance Photographer photographing whenever and wherever possible. You'll see me out and about at events and especially Pride in beautiful downtown, Belleville. Smile!
I was born in Effingham, IL and currently reside in Belleville, IL.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I was born in Effingham, IL and currently reside in Belleville, IL.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Roxie M. Valentine - Queen of Metro East Pride
Bio Coming Soon...
Kameo DuPree - King of Metro East Pride
Bio Coming Soon...